Best way to natural tank lighting???

[justpgraham]

I have noticed that the best tanks seem to have light that filters down to bottom and the fish seem to catch the light and shade at the same time ! Being as my tanks come with strong flourescent lights that blast the tank out how do i get the natural light effect ? Also i have no back on my tanks is painting black an option ? want it to look like bottom of river with natural light driftwood and dark background ? what type of lamp ?? questions questions????????

 

[tcarswell]

You can paint it black on the back if you like. Or they have stick on backgrounds that are black that are doable. You could try hanging plants to diffuse the light and shadow certain areas. I do that for my oscars and they love it. They come and swim about much more. I just tied the plants to the center brace.

Hope this helps bud, And welcome to the forums!

 

[sostoudt]

are you talking about ripples on the bottom of the tank from light. you get only get that with high intensity lighting. the small the source the more pronounced the affect. metal halide is probably best at this.

 

[Unholy1761]

I have noticed that the best tanks seem to have light that filters down to bottom and the fish seem to catch the light and shade at the same time ! Being as my tanks come with strong flourescent lights that blast the tank out how do i get the natural light effect ? Also i have no back on my tanks is painting black an option ? want it to look like bottom of river with natural light driftwood and dark background ? what type of lamp ?? questions questions????????

glad i found this try a 100 watt regular house bulb it makes a really nice ripply/shaddy effect on bottom.

source: my turtle lights bled thru to my fish birthing tank.

 

[justpgraham]

Thanks for the response guys going to play with tank after work today